I am now in my charming 5th floor apartment in Grenoble’s city center. I hear church bells and French voices outside. No beeping cars, noisy ambulances, bachata music nor any noises from people living upstairs. My street is filled with people, not cars and motorcycles. I see the mountains from my bedroom window, not a brick wall. My building is from the 17th century, not from the 1920’s. I have my own room for my art studio. A large kitchen. Meeting friends mostly involves walking, not taking the subway for at least 40 minutes. There is not as much dog crap on the street!

Photo I took of Grenoble, facing the city center (including télépherique station!)

Of course there are things I will miss about New York. The museums and galleries. My friends. My jobs and the freedom to work. The diversity. The food. The people. The anonymity. Subway entertainers and street performers. Getting my work into art exhibitions with friends. Painting murals. Chelsea gallery hopping, the East Village, Alphabet City and the L.E.S. The numerous art supply stores. French Meetups. The theatres. Yoga and the gym. The MoMA. The Rubin Museum on Fridays. Nights at the Met. Sexy, flamboyant gay men. St. Marks Place. Dragon rolls. Bedford Avenue. My favorite Ecuadorian restaurant in Sunset Park. My favorite Korean restaurant in Korea-Town. Dining in the East Village. IFC. Whole Foods on Houston Street. China Town. Mott Street. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Central Park. Inwood Hill Park. Tomkins Square Park. The surprises. The nightlife. Going out in the evening knowing of the possibility that the most amazing thing can happen. The Spring and Fall. Celeb-spotting. Street vending in Union Square. The dream.

According to this incorrect but absolutely hilarious map above entitled “New Yorkistan” by Maira Kalman, I have lived in Lesbikins, Gaymenistan, Fattushis, Veryverybad, Mooshumadeen and Muttererstan (yeah I moved a lot).

About Me

In 2011 I left NYC for Grenoble, France! I am an artist and freelancer traveling the world. Currently living between Grenoble and Paris, keep in touch by following this blog as I share my adventures, expat tips and much more!